Reinventing Society with Philosophy, Religion, and Science

What might a society that utilizes the valuable insights from the perspectives of philosophy, religion, and social science look like? This volume examines these principles to improve our social institutions, from education, social welfare, government, and criminal justice to the economy. The contributors apply their knowledge in a hands-on, practical way, making this book accessible to teachers, police officers, social workers, economists, congressional legislators, and undergraduates. Professors and students across all these areas will find a real-world application of their subjects. Those who think ‘big-picture’ about society or have a general interest in philosophy, religion, or social science will find ideas here that will spark their imagination and, perhaps, action.

Neil Wollman, Ph.D., is former Senior Fellow at Bentley University, USA. Prior to that, he held the position of Professor of Psychology at Manchester University, Indiana, for 20 years. His work includes a book on applying psychological principles to promote peace, and he is Co-founder and former Co-director of the National Prevention Science Coalition, which works with Congress to promote evidence-based policy.

Carolyn J. Love, Ph.D., currently teaches at Elmhurst University, USA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a PhD in Constructive Theology from Loyola University Chicago. Her work bridges the gap between science, theology, and philosophy. She serves as the President of the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS), connecting her interest in science, philosophy, and religion.

"This book is a compilation of strong evidence reflecting that societal ills and needs can be effectively addressed only through a studied and deliberate merging of well-established philosophical, religious, scientific and policy frameworks, and applying them to the most impactful areas of our lives, such as education, social welfare, government, criminal justice and the economy. It couldn't come at a better time, given the challenges we are currently facing in these areas."

Bobby Vassar Former Virginia Cabinet official and Congressional Chief Counsel.

"This book offers a unique contribution to the practice of science advice – the mobilization of knowledge in public decision making – by emphasizing the treasure trove of advice that can be distilled from philosophy, religion, and social science for a diverse set of policy domains. The attention paid by the authors to what theoretical knowledge means in the real world is refreshing. The editors have done an outstanding job in bringing these contributors together in one volume."

Arthur C. Petersen, DPhil (Oxford) DPA (Amsterdam) PhD (Utrecht) Professor of Science, Technology and Public Policy at University College London and Editor-in-Chief of Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science.

Philip Barclift

Jenn Bellamy

Frits Bos

Harry Brighouse

Frank Den Butter

Chris Connelly

Melissa Grady

Tom Grimwood

Dennis Gunn

Robin Jenkins

Russell Lidman

Carolyn J. Love